BA (Hons) in Film and Screen Media

University College Cork

University College Cork's BA in Film & Screen Media is a unique, major degree that offers students a thorough film studies education on the history, theory, values, aesthetics and ideology of the moving image.

Our philosophy, at the Department of Film and Screen Media, is that theory, analysis and history must be informed by practice, and that practice must, in turn, be informed by a deep understanding of how cinema and ideas about the moving image have developed. Hence, our programme innovatively combines the study of film and of screen media (Internet, mobile social media, e-publishing) and practical filmmaking modules and workshops in digital filmmaking and in writing for the screen.

Led by internationally recognised experts, this BA in Film & Screen Media will immerse you in the history and theory of film and screen media from around the world, from the birth of cinema to the age of the Internet. With a thriving component of visiting speakers, guest practitioners and artists in residence, our students have the chance to meet and be taught by professionals of the film industry and by expert speakers from universities and archives from around the world.

You also have the opportunity to make films under the guidance of experienced practitioners, and avail of professionalising opportunities provided by the programme's partnership with film festivals such as Schull's Fastnet Short Film Festival.

Students may opt into the International Pathway of the BA, and spend Year 3 studying film and screen media, as well as their second subject, at one of our partner universities abroad. (See our BA page for an indicative list of participating universities.)

This BA will equip you with skills that will work across a broad variety of careers including the media, culture and creative industries, teaching, journalism, or for further study and research at postgraduate level.

This course is unique in its combination of film studies and screen media: you will get the chance to work with a resident filmmaker and collaborate on short films and promos. You will have the opportunity of working on a treatment and a short script under the tutelage of an accredited expert.

Leading figures from both Ireland and further afield will give guest lectures on film-making, film producing, screenwriting, acting, film history, and marketing of films, continuing our strong record in attracting notable speakers, including Oscar-nominated filmmakers, producers and actors.

Skills and Careers Information

With masterclasses given by practitioners from the industry, and modules in practical filmmaking/digital video, the BA will aid those seeking jobs in the film/media industry and in creative/culture industries.

The strong emphasis on developing analytical and writing skills will benefit those interested in pursuing a career in arts journalism. Furthermore, you will develop high levels of visual literacy that will ideally complement further studies (e.g. UCC’s MA in Film & Screen Media), or career paths in a wide variety of design and visual communications areas, including advertising, web and graphic design, television, multimedia, computer gaming and publishing.